Parkeston Tutors & Parkeston Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and skilled Tutor of French, Russian and English as a foreign language. I have been tutoring continuously on a part time basis for 12 years, typically working with 5 or 6 students at any one time. I have spent several years living and working abroad, so this has given me quite an international outlook. At the same time, I am quite well-travelled within the UK and have a good understanding of English history, culture and customs. As a native speaker of English, I have an excellent grasp of the English language, particularly in terms of grammar, spelling and pronunciation.

I am fair-minded, accepting of the needs of others, multi-culturally sensitive and take genuine pride in the quality of my work and going the extra mile wherever possible.

Teaching Experience:
I possess the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and am qualified to teach in Secondary Schools in the United Kingdom. I have four years experience of teaching English as a Foreign Language, and have taught the English as a Foreign Language curriculum at all levels, from elementary to advanced. I have taught a wide range of groups of both children, from the age of 11 upwards, and adults. I am particularly strong in teaching Business English to non-native speakers - I have redesigned and delivered an Advanced Level Business English Course for Masters Degree level students, I have worked with many private students of Business English on their premises, and have also successfully prepared students for the London Chamber of Commerce Exams in Business Communication.

I am very comfortable tutoring French up to A-Level Standard. I have myself lived in France for three years and have been educated in the French Education System up to Masters Degree level. I therefore have a very strong grasp of French language and culture which I love to share. I also actively use my French skills in my everyday employment,and am well used to interacting with French native speakers on a daily basis.

I am educated in Russian up to Bachelor's Degree level and have a similarly broad experience of practising and communicating in the Russian language, having spent five years living and working in Russian speaking countries. I am comfortable tutoring Russian up to A-Level Standard and have a lot of experience working with beginner level students learning Russian for the first time.

I have also delivered private lessons in order to prepare students for Private School entrance. I typically work with students on GCSE or A-Level preparation and have an excellent track record in delivering strong results in these areas. I have worked with family groups who were all keen to learn a foreign language together, as well as those seeking to learn for professional or business reasons, and both modes of tuition have also proved to be very rewarding for me. I prefer to build stable medium term teaching relationships, and retained one student for over 5 years, even if this meant my arriving dutifully every Saturday morning for our 9am class!

Tutoring Approach:
In a word: flexibility. I make every effort to really take on board and respond to the wishes of my clients. I am clear and proactive in communication regarding expectations and always seek to ensure mutual agreement with my students and parents as to setting realistic targets and the most appropriate learning strategies for their needs.

I am a great believer that learning should be fun and always seek to make my classes varied, challenging and stimulating, drawing upon as wide a range of learning skills and strategies as possible.

I have an excellent grasp of both spoken and written English, and am a strong believer in developing confidence in these areas through regular practice, setting realistic targets and offering plenty of praise and encouragement.

I prefer to work with individuals or smaller groups in a relaxed, purposeful atmosphere where there is plenty of tutor input or explanation as required, but also where students are given every opportunity to practise and develop newly acquired skills.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native speaking qualified tutor with more than 19 years of' language training experience. I have worked for the University and secondary schools as well as taught privately. Furthermore, I have first-hand experience of running businesses, which helps me better understand the needs and requirements of my business clients. I have experience in successfully preparing my students for their GCSE and A-level exams as well as supporting university students.

I have authored a series of Russian language textbooks, available on Amazon, at Foyles, Waterstone's and other major book-stores and used at universities and schools worldwide.

I am also a qualified English language teacher currently working on my English language textbook.

Qualifications: MPhil in Linguistics, St Petersburg State University. MA in Political Economy of Russia, University College London (School of Slavonic and East European Studies), CELTA.

Chartered linguist, member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, the UK Society of Authors, and the International Association of Russian Language Teachers.

I teach in Birmingham and once a week in Wolverhampton as well as on-line (my current students are based in Luxembourg, Paris, and Moscow).

I offer a 10% discount for students, seniors, UCL staff and alumni, members of the Vegan and Vegetarian Society.

Teaching Experience:
More than 18 years' experience of private tuition of foreign languages. I used to work for the University and secondary schools and I have been involved in one-to-one tuition for a number of years.

I have authored a series of Russian language textbooks now used at schools and universities worldwide (you can check some reviews for them on Amazon and Goodreads).

My current students include, among others:
- private bank manager (Luxembourg),
- director of the wealth management company (Moscow, Russia),
- partner of the wealth management company (London, UK),
- account managers from a private Swiss bank (London, UK, and Paris, France),
- barrister (London, UK),
- head of department at a financial advisory company (London, UK),
- trader at a major international bank (London, UK),
- director of an investment company (London, UK),
- TV journalist.

Finally, I have just finished tutoring an A-level student who enjoys learning languages and has got particular passion for Russian. He is now a student at the University of Bristol. Two other students (University of Westminster and University College London) have just finished both their course with me and their University course.

Tutoring Approach:
I can be of use for both children and adults and offer a number of courses, including Business Russian, conversational classes, assistance with grammar. ON-LINE language classes are now available.

My associates can also help you with English/French/Chinese/Italian to Russian translation and interpreting.

My recent students' testimonials say:

I've been learning Russian for over two years now and I've tried out a number of different Russian teachers from different companies. I can say that, without a doubt, Ignaty Dyakov has been by far the most outstanding teacher. His lessons are professional and extremely fun at the same time thanks to his friendly nature and good sense of humour. Most importantly - for me at least - he will immediately hone in on any problems you have and help you solve them (often without you even realising!). Ignaty is knowledgeable and very well informed about Russian culture; the Russian I have learned with Ignaty has always been accompanied by interesting cultural insights. Finally, I am always surprised at how impeccably punctual Ignaty is given the horrors of the London transport system!
- Richard P.

Ignaty is an excellent tutor of Russian language with very professional approach. He makes every lesson very interesting, bringing his sense of humour and outlook on the topics discussed in conversations. On a personal level I have found Ignaty is very diligent, reliable, willing to help and assist with founding out any information related to learning Russian language or exploring the Russian culture, art or ways of living. Ignaty has been an absolute pleasure to deal with right from my initial email to discuss my lessons till current date and I have no hesitation in recommending him to any individual or company who is interested in learning Russian language.
- Martina

I have been having private Russian Tuition from Ignaty for a period of 4 months during which I received outstanding education from a highly qualified, intelligent and pleasant individual. The lessons were result focussed, fun and interesting. Besides learning the language itself, I also learned a lot about the actual Russian culture. I can highly recommend these language courses to anyone who requires to be conversational in the Russian language in a short period of time.
-Peter

Taking this course with Ignaty has provided me with excellent grounding in the language and has been a highlight of the last couple of months. He has the patience of a saint (!) and is exceptionally knowledgeable. It's incredibly helpful that Ignaty has such extensive multi-lingual capabilities. His enthusiasm and knowledge has inspired me to explore the Russian culture further to the extent that my next holiday is being spent in St Petersburg. Thanks Ignaty!
- Mags

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Phoebe. I'm a native Chinese speaker who moved to England 22 years ago. I am now a British Citizen and have lived in Chesham for 20 years. I gained my MBA at the University of Leicester in 2002. I have two daughters, and both speak Mandarin fluently. I used to work for an insurance company as an auditor, and now I am a full-time Chinese Tutor.

I have gained two teaching certificates: "Teaching Chinese to Young Learners" and "Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language". I have been working as a Chinese tutor since 2009.

I have also tutored several students who went on to achieve top grades in their GCSE Chinese exams, and I currently teach at a private school in the Chalfont area. Teaching is truly my passion, and I'm committed to helping every learner reach their full potential.
If you or your child feel you could benefit from extra support, I'd be delighted to help.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch.

*****Congrats to my student Azaan M, who gained an 8 in GCSE in 2026*****
*****Congrats to my student Chokhmah J, who gained a 9 in GCSE in 2025*****
*****Congrats to my student: Loarn L, who gained an A in IGCSE in 2025*****
*****Congrats to my student Mungo L, who passed HSK Level 4 in 2024*****
*****Congrats to my student Nathaniel P, who passed HSK Level 2 in 2024*****
*****Congrats to my student Nathaniel P, who passed HSK Level 2 in 2024*****
*****Congrats to my student Mungo L, who gained an A* in IGCSE in 2023*****
*****Congrats to my student Sophie A, who gained an 8 in GCSE in 2022*****
*****Congrats to my student Eleanor P, who passed HSK Level 3 in 2021*****
*****Congrats to my student Charis P, who passed HSK Level 3 in 2020*****
*****Congrats to my student Jocelyn S, who gained a 9 in GCSE in 2019*****
*****Congrats to my student Jo-Emma B, who gained an A in GCSE in 2015*****

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching children, teenagers, and adults, and I offer both group lessons and one‑to‑one sessions. Each format has its own strengths:
• In group classes, you benefit from interacting with other learners, which helps build confidence and conversational skills.
• In one‑to‑one lessons, the content is fully tailored to your personal goals, pace, and interests.
Whichever option you choose, you'll find that both are excellent ways to learn Chinese effectively and enjoyably.
Over the years, I've taught students from a wide range of nationalities, including learners from the UK, America, Canada, Russia, Germany, and South Africa. It has been a joy helping them progress, and we've shared many memorable moments along the way.
If you'd like to read some of their references, I'm happy to provide them upon request.

Tutoring Approach:
🌟Give Your Child the Gift of Mandarin! 🌟
This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to learn Chinese Mandarin in a small, supportive group of just six students. I'm an experienced Mandarin tutor and have been teaching since 2009. My lessons are interactive, engaging, and designed to help children learn quickly while genuinely enjoying the process.
✨ Why join?
• Small group size for personalised attention
• Fun, dynamic lessons that keep children motivated
• Suitable for complete beginners through to advanced learners
• A warm, encouraging learning environment
📚 Levels: Beginner to Advanced
⏳ Only four places left - book now to secure a spot!

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Mila. I have been living in the UK for 15 years. I teach GCSE Russian at the Russian school in Ipswich. I live near Colchester, Harwich, Ipswich. I used to work as a police and court interpreter. Now I work as a primary school teacher.

Teaching Experience:
I have graduated from Saratov State University and my qualifications are: a teacher of English/Russian, interpreter, translator.
I worked as a teacher of English/Russian at Saratov Academy of Economics (now it is Saratov Social Ecomonic University) for 3 years.
Then I moved to Moscow where I worked in a number of foreign companies (American, English, German and Japanese) as an interpreter and a teacher of English/Russian.
I have passed DPSI (LAW) exams - Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Northampton, UK)
I finished my Teacher Training. and got QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and PGCE.

Tutoring Approach:
Patience, challenge and eager to help students to achieve their goals.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dear Parent / Guardian,

My name is Michael,
I'm a specialist teacher and tutor in Physics and Maths online, via Zoom.
I am a fully qualified (B.Sc., M,Sc., PGCE + enhanced DBS certificate), professional teacher and tutor of Physics, Maths and Science- with 25 + years experience of teaching to Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, GCSE, IGCSE, AS / A2 - Level, as well as considerable experience as an examiner and Head of Physics Department.
For 16 years I have offered tuition from my home in Twickenham, Richmond and online.
Online works very well for most students.

Teaching Experience:
25 + years of classroom teaching and tutoring across the full ability range in KS2, KS3., GCSE and A-Level.

From 2014 I have developed my resources so that I can offer the same top quality tuition online to students anywhere in the UK and abroad as I can to face - to - face students.

Tutoring Approach:
By discussion with the student and parent I establish the learning needs of the student.
I work with the student to devise teaching and learning strategies to suit the student.

We use Zoom for conversation. I share my qualifications, my certificates, my CRB / DBS, my references, and discuss the student's educational needs, just as I would if face-to-face.

Together - the student and I - we compose our lesson notes which I write out and - at the end of the lesson - I scan the notes and send them to the student.
We can also use and share an interactive online whiteboard, just like a sheet of paper between us, and of course screen - sharing technology to bring our tuition notes to the home of the student.

We try to make the online learning experience and working relationship as similar as possible to a face - to - face learning experience.

I offer a top quality tuition package - friendly, patient and reliable - to meet the needs of the individual student who wants to improve her / his grades and is prepared to work hard.

Whether the student needs help with homework, coursework guidance, specific topics, revision strategies, or exam technique and practice at past exam papers, etc. . . help is available, and the student and parents WILL see improvement.

The fee covers not only the hour of tuition time, but also:-

pre-lesson preparation time;
providing personalised lesson notes at the end of each lesson;
setting homework or past exam paper;
marking homework or past exam paper;
providing online support between lessons;
providing feedback to students and parents.

So, when you consider the full package, you will see that each lesson means you get at least 2 hours of a specialist teacher's time and the benefit of his years of work and experience as a teacher. I believe that the tuition "hourly" fee is actually very good value for money and compares well with fees charged by similarly qualified and experienced tutors. I hope you will agree and I look forward to hearing from you..

I am available for tuition during the day as well as after school.

I am based in Whitton, Twickenham.
I offer tuition online.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile

If you would like further details or to discuss your individual learning needs or to arrange an online Zoom consultation meeting please contact me.

Michael.
{B.Sc. Physics and Maths (Hons)., M.Sc., PGCE., Enhanced DBS

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Anna. I'm an author and a poet, I have had many poems published, won first prize in an international poetry competition (2011) and have also brought out two collections, which are on sale on Amazon. In 2015 I published my memoir A Hippopotamus at the Table. Set in South Africa in the 1970s. I'm about to publish my second memoir and published a book called Writing Memoir. How to Write a Story from Your Life in 2017. Formerly I taught memoir writing to small groups. I have a blog which is updated regularly with articles about writing, poetry, my travels and events.

Teaching Experience:
I taught in Adult Education at a variety of colleges for approximately 10 years (until 2000) - my main subject was Ancient Egyptian History - one of the colleges was Birkbeck University (University of London) I taught undergraduates. I ran a class for a number of years before that for City University on Ancient Egyptian History. For 6 years I taught Information Technology (seminars) at London Metropolitan University, to first year undergraduates. More recently (2000-2014) I worked in Criminal Justice delivering Cognitive Behavioural programmes to offenders and also on another programme supporting victims of violence.
I used to host language students for St Giles English Language school and also for a year taught TEFL one-to-one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is Socratic in delivery, to draw from the student what they know, what their interests are and expand on that. I like to bring students to poetry, and know about poetry from a variety of cultures from Moslem (like Rumi, Omar Khayam) to French and Afro Caribbean writers. I think learning English should be broad and interesting and make people think. My teaching method is through a conversational approach, short written exercises for identifying strengths and weaknesses, building on strengths and working on areas that require a structured approach for improvement. Learning should be interesting and it should be fun.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over 30 years' experience in education as a teacher, former headteacher, university tutor and private tutor. I believe every child can succeed when learning is tailored to their individual needs and delivered in a supportive, encouraging environment. My lessons are engaging, well-structured and designed to build both confidence and understanding. Whether preparing for SATs, GCSEs, A Levels or simply boosting confidence, my aim is to help every student enjoy learning and achieve their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 30 years across primary, secondary and higher education. My experience includes working as a classroom teacher, headteacher, university associate tutor and private tutor. I currently teach and mentor trainee teachers at university while supporting students from primary through to A Level. I have extensive experience preparing pupils for SATs, GCSEs and A Levels, and adapting my teaching to meet a wide range of learning needs, including those of students with SEND.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is centred on understanding each student as an individual. I begin by identifying their strengths, areas for development and preferred learning style before tailoring lessons to meet their needs. I believe learning should be engaging, enjoyable and challenging, with clear explanations, regular feedback and plenty of encouragement. By building confidence alongside knowledge and skills, I help students become increasingly independent learners who are well prepared for examinations and future academic success.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello,
My name is Elliot and I have been an art teacher in London for over 10 years. Before this I graduated in art and illustration - specialising in typography and still work as a children's illustrator in my space time.
I have built up a large portfolio of fun and engaging art projects over the years that can be taught to 6-14 year olds. They explore a variety of mediums across different art forms but the main objective is to make art fun and creative whilst developing and building on previous art skills.

Teaching Experience:
Over 10 years experience teaching art in private education in London

Tutoring Approach:
My art lessons are adaptable to different pupils regarding their ability and age. I'm an experienced teacher and want to make sure all my pupils are learning and building confidence in the subject

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA instructor offering 1-2-1 sessions to anyone looking to learn a combat skill for self defense, to improve their overall fitness or to just simply have fun.

I have trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA for over 5 years and have currently train and spar with UFC and Bellator fighters aswell as the UK's Top mma fighters. I have also competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 5 years and have amassed over 18 Gold medals internationally.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a Martial art and combat sport heavily focusing on the Grappling aspects of fighting, such as takedown, joint locks, chokes and positional dominance. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the largest aspects of MMA and can be seen being utilised at the highest levels of UFC. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was originally derived from Judo and developed later in Brazil as a self defense martial art focusing on ground Grappling. To this day Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a very effective self defense martial art.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA for 3 years which includes teaching adult classes and kids classes. I focus on teaching 1-2-1 sessions.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach my students elite Combat skills designed to neutralise a possible threat while taking minimal damage and the least risk of injury.

My classes start off with a warm up to get the blood flowing. The warmup consists of exercises that are designed to stimulate and strengthen the muscles that are primarily used in the martial art. After the warm up, I focus heavy on the technical aspects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA in which I teach the students physically how to implement the techniques and also verbally explain to them. My class end with some strength and conditioning exercises which are intended to improved the strength and endurance of the students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Over 90% of my students last year achieve an A grade and above.

As of 08/09/26: **ONLY HAVE 2 MORE AVAILABLE SLOTS**

I have been teaching A-level Maths and Economics for over 9 years to over 100 students with over 1,000 hours teaching experience and have a track record of elevating students from B, C, D, E grades all the way up to shining A's and A*'s.

I have a 1st class in Economics from LSE and completed my ACA and am a chartered Accountant. I achieved 3A*'s (Maths, Further Maths and Economics) and an A (Physics) at A-Levels. To add to this, I got 10A*'s at GCSE and have excelled in all my academic challenges.

Having taken Economics at A-Level I know the struggles that students go through which allows me to efficiently teach them content and more importantly apply it to exam questions. I go through exam structure and base my lessons on getting marks in exam scenarios.

My passion for Economics is what drove me to take the subject at university and this is what allows me to be a good teacher. Having previously gone to bad and good tutors I know what it takes to teach a good lesson and value the importance of clarity in teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching A-level Maths and Economics for over 9 years to over 100 students with over 1,000 hours teaching experience and have a track record of elevating students from B, C, D, E grades all the way up to shining A's and A*'s.

I have a 1st class in Economics from LSE and completed my ACA and am a chartered Accountant. I achieved 3A*'s (Maths, Further Maths and Economics) and an A (Physics) at A-Levels. To add to this, I got 10A*'s at GCSE and have excelled in all my academic challenges.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly, I'll set up a folder on google drive which is shared with the parent to allow them to track the progress of their child.

Within this folder, parents will find detailed updates including what has been completed in each lesson, homework assignments set, and the marks received. Additionally, there is a syllabus checklist available which tracks the topics covered and indicates the student's confidence in each area. This comprehensive approach ensures that parents are always up-to-date and can actively engage in their child's academic progress.

Every session will be tailored to the students needs and taught in a way that suits their learning style. I build strong bonds with the students that allow them to feel comfortable and ask any question that they have.

I guide my students towards obtaining correct answers with a series of well-placed questions rather than providing them with information to 'rote learn'.

I ask students to teach back what I taught them a few weeks ago which helps in improving their communication skills besides serving as a revision tool

Subjects

Personal Description:
An experienced Science Teacher, Tutor, Examiner and Head of Department. Teaching online Science KS3, Combined or separate sciences GCSE, Chemistry GCSE, Chemistry A level. I love teaching as much as I love the subject, so I feel privileged to help students reach their full potential. Years of experience in raising attainment through improving confidence, understanding and exam technique.

Teaching Experience:
Having worked with a range of pupils, I can offer support to build confidence, motivation, skills and techniques. The goal is to listen to the student and respond to their individual needs

Tutoring Approach:
In recent years I have identified underperforming students and mentored them to understand and overcome their barriers to success. I can help to raise confidence by adapting to individual needs and share techniques to improve knowledge, understanding and exam technique. Working as an e examiner has helped me to pass on those all important tips to students once they fully grasp the content.
My lessons are online

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dr John-Henry, FRHistS, FSA, FRSA

Former Assoc. Prof. at Durham | Experienced teacher | Published novelist

I'm a full-time, professional tutor with a unique breadth of experience and expertise across a two-decade career:

• Former Associate Professor at Durham University
• Former Teacher at a top London independent school ("Excellent" rated)
• Fellow of the Royal Historical Society
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
• Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries
• Honorary Research Fellow at Durham University
• Published novelist of historical fiction
• Archaeologist and active academic researcher

I love combining the joy of one-on-one tutoring, seeing students grow and learn, with my life-long passions for history, politics and literature.

For me, tutoring does not stop with passing exams, vital as that is. Just as important is learning how to push intellectual boundaries, encourage creative thinking, and expand the imagination. I want my tutees not just to realise their full potential at school, but to be ready for the challenges that await them beyond.

I take on a limited number of tutees so that I can tailor my approach to each tutee's specific needs, with concrete targets and an approach that will engage, challenge and inspire. I prepare bespoke resources carefully prior to lessons as well as detailed feedback on written work (this is all included in my fee - I will never charge for anything outside contact time). Please get in touch to ask me about my availability.

One of the great things about my varied career track has been the chance to live and work in other countries, with all the mind-expanding experiences that brings. Before my doctorate I also worked as a professional archaeologist. Over the years I have pursued historical and archaeological research in the USA, Mexico, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.

TESTIMONIALS

"My child went from a predicted D to achieving an A in one year. John gave her confidence, a much better understanding of core concepts and an enthusiasm for the subject. All delivered in a clearly structured digestible way with kindness and patience. I would highly recommend his tutoring skills." - Parent of A Level Politics student

"John was the perfect tutor, helping my son to reengage with English after he lost some confidence based on feedback from his school teachers. My son managed to improve his GCSE grade from 6s at the begginng of the year to 7s in his mock exams to 9s in the final exam. To say we are over the moon is an understatement." - Parent of IGCSE English student

"Thank you so so much - I'm thrilled that I came so far in history - from a C to an A*!! It's such a relief I'm getting into where I want to go on my own merit and I'm so so grateful to you again." - A Level History student

"John has tutored my daughter during the Sixth Form and helped her success in gaining an offer to study PPE at Oxford University. In Politics, particularly, he has boosted her confidence and provided invaluable coaching on exam technique. Because he was so knowledgeable and great at explaining, he also engaged her in discussions on topics which she had otherwise struggled to embrace and understand. Also his manner and kindness helped her to enjoy and flourish from his teaching. He is an excellent tutor, and we are very grateful for all his teaching and expertise." - Parent of A Level Politics student

"John's enthusiasm for the Ancient World is very clear but his ability to understand the needs of his student is what sets him apart from others. John delivers clear and memorable lessons. He takes the time to engage and check M's understanding of the topic in a way which makes him feel more confident about his own abilities. […] John genuinely wants M to succeed. Towards the end of the summer, they will visit the British Museum together and this is an example of John's commitment to his student." - Parent of GCSE Ancient History and Latin student

"I recently got my GCSE results, and I got a 9 in history. I wanted to thank you as your tutoring helped me so much and there is no way I could have achieved this result without your help." - GCSE History student

Teaching Experience:
PROFESSIONAL FULL-TIME TUTOR, 2022-present

I have successfully tutored students of various abilities at GCSE and A Level across a range of subjects and exam boards:

• Classical Civilisation and Ancient History (OCR)
• Latin (OCR)
• History (OCR/AQA/Edexcel)
• Politics (Edexcel)
• English (AQA/Edexcel)

I have expertise in UCAS applications, Oxford HAT and Cambridge HAA and interview technique; since 2022 six of my students have received Oxbridge offers, with many others going to top Russell Group universities

HISTORY AND POLITICS TEACHER, 2020-2023

• ISI "Excellent"-rated independent school
• Taught History at KS3, GCSE and A Level
• Taught Politics at A Level
• Sixth Form tutor (particular strength in UCAS applications and personal statements)
• Detailed understanding of the specifications and marking criteria for English, History and Politics at GCSE and A Level

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, Durham University, 2010-2020

• Taught History lectures, seminars and supervisions at every level (undergraduate to PhD)
• Taught Creative Writing lectures and tutorials at MA level
• Pastoral officer for 1st year undergraduates
• Departmental admissions officer (responsible for accepting/rejecting UCAS applications)
• Multiple academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals, as well as papers at international conferences
• Visiting fellowships at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna (2009-2010) and Institute for Research in the Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2015-2016)
• Interviewed as an expert in my field on several BBC documentaries and podcasts, and as a guest speaker at the BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival
• I remain an Honorary Research Fellow of Durham and an active researcher in my field

Tutoring Approach:
TUTORING

My approach is based on empathy, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Often students have great potential in a subject, but for whatever reason lack the confidence to realise it. Other times a student has the confidence, but haven't quite learned the skills they need to reach that elusive target grade.

Wherever they are coming from, as a tutor my first goal is to understand my students and see things from their perspective. Then I provide the structure and support they need to achieve their goal. This might be through weekly essay writing and feedback, talking through tricky concepts, providing curated resources to help their development - in fact, whatever they need to succeed.

PERSONAL STATEMENT ASSISTANCE

My career path has given me unique experience of teaching before, during, and after A Levels. This means I understand the student experience from all perspectives. I have seen the pressures and demands of GCSE and A Level study, and as Sixth Form tutor have guided dozens of students through the UCAS process, including multiple successful Oxbridge applications.

My experience as a Durham University admissions officer taught me that, when it comes to the most competitive universities, the personal statement is very often the deciding factor. My experience as a published author means that I can help my tutees sculpt their perfect application, one that showcases academic skill while bringing out their uniqueness and passion.

Just as important, I understand the transition from school to university, and all the challenges it brings. During my time at Durham University I also served as pastoral officer to first-year undergraduates, which involved helping students make the (often difficult) jump to a new level of independence and academic demands. For tutees about to take their A Levels, part of my approach is therefore to help them prepare mentally and practically for that transition.

Subjects